Pictured (L-R): Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Opry Entertainment’s Sally Williams, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning.
Opry Entertainment’s Opry NextStage, a yearlong collaboration with rising country artists Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning, launched Tuesday night (Jan. 8) with a kickoff party and sold-out concert at Ole Red Nashville.
“This is an exciting night and we are thrilled to welcome these four rising stars in country music,” said Sally Williams, General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment. “The Opry is 93 years old and it is all of our responsibility to make sure it is still amazing for the next 93 years. You all are going to be part of that!”
“I’m honored to have the Opry team put their hands around my career,” said Green. “Some of my all-time favorite country music memories are watching past Opry moments and performances and now I get to be a part of that.”
“I learn something new every time I perform there and love doing things the audience doesn’t expect,” said Tegan. “I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”
Throughout the year, Opry Entertainment will work closely with this inaugural class and its artist teams to amplify their initiatives using assets from across the company’s brands, venues and channels. Opportunities for the Opry NextStage artists include performances on the Grand Ole Opry at the Opry House and Ryman Auditorium, performances at Ole Red locations, appearances in a short form documentary video series produced by Opry Entertainment’s content team, customized digital activations utilizing Opry social assets including Opry.com, OleRed.com, WSMOnline.com, and other opportunities including outdoor advertising, special event performances, 650 WSM-AM /wsmonline.com podcasts and radio specials.
“It means so much to have the Opry family support me,” remarked Tenille. “I came to Nashville as a tourist and fan many years ago before my career began and we visited the Opry. I sat with my family in the Opry pews and I dreamed of getting to do this someday.”
“I look forward to creating moments each and every time I play the Opry,” said Denning. “I want to learn all the stories and soak up the Opry history.”
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
